Christmas cookie bars are soft, chewy, colorful, and incredibly simple to make-perfect for parties, gifting, or adding to your holiday cookie tray. They deliver all the festive flavor of Christmas cookies without the work of shaping individual batches.
If you’re building a holiday cookie box, pairing these bars with our Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies adds a classic touch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup holiday M&M’s
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugars: Beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined
- Fold in mix-ins: Stir in M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
- Spread in pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake : Bake for 22–28 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool & slice: Let the bars cool completely, then lift out and cut into squares.
If you’re looking for warm, cozy holiday flavors, these bars pair wonderfully with our Gingerbread German Spice Cookies.
Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
- Don’t overbake; the center should stay slightly soft.
- Reserve some mix-ins to press on top before baking.
- Chill the bars before slicing for the cleanest edges.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal.
For more soft, chewy cookie ideas with a caramel-like sweetness, explore our Maple Brown Sugar Cookies.
Nutrition Facts
Per 1 bar (based on 16 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 265 |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Creative Variations
- Crushed peppermint swirl
- Caramel drizzle
- Double chocolate chip
- Gingerbread spice mix
- Holiday sprinkle overload
Decorating Ideas
- Add festive sprinkles on top
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Press peppermint bark pieces on top
- Add extra M&M’s after baking
Storing and Freezing Guide
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced bars for up to 3 months.
Gifting Ideas
These bars travel well and make excellent edible gifts. Package them in holiday tins, cookie boxes, or wrap individually for festive party favors.
Enjoy Your Festive Treats
Christmas cookie bars bring color, warmth, and holiday cheer to any celebration. Easy to make, easy to slice, and always crowd-pleasing, they’re a perfect addition to your Christmas baking lineup.
Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently until combined.
- Fold in M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Press extra M&M’s or sprinkles on top before baking for a vibrant finish.
- Do not overbake-bars continue to set while cooling.
- Chill the baked bars for 10–15 minutes before slicing for cleaner edges.
- Add crushed peppermint or caramel drizzle for fun holiday variations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
